Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The All Progressives Congress (APC) Enugu State chapter has refuted claims by a business mogul, Chief Arthur Eze, that President Bola Tinubu has endorsed Governor Peter Mbah for a second term in 2027.
In a statement made available to newsmen on Friday in Enugu, the Publicity Secretary of the party in Enugu State, Mr Titus Ezeagu, described the statement as misleading and unfounded.
“Prince Arthur Eze is not a member of the APC. He is neither a spokesperson for President Tinubu nor has he ever played any official role in the President’s campaign or administration.
“Arthur Eze has no mandate to speak for President Tinubu,” the statement read in part.
The party reiterated that Arthur Eze was not a political leader within the APC, nor has he ever supported the candidacy of President Tinubu.
“In fact, in the lead-up to the 2023 general elections, Eze was widely known to have openly opposed Tinubu’s presidential ambition, preferring another candidate altogether.
“It is, therefore, disingenuous and opportunistic for him to now claim to speak on behalf of the President.
“Let it be made clear: the President has not made any statement; public or private, endorsing any governor for a second term, including Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State. The APC does not operate on rumour or hearsay but on facts and party structure,” the APC spokesman said.
The APC advised individuals and groups to desist from making pronouncements that could mislead the public or distort the political process in Enugu State.
“We urge Mr. Eze to concentrate on his business ventures and allow the political process to unfold without undue interference. His attempt to anoint Governor Mbah using the name of President Tinubu is not only false but politically mischievous,” Ezeagu said.
The party concluded by reaffirming its commitment to building a strong alternative for the people of Enugu State, emphasizing that endorsement for any second term would come through performance, party structures, and electoral mandate — not media pronouncements by businessmen with no party affiliation.
“The APC Enugu State calls on the media and the general public to disregard Arthur Eze’s statements as personal opinions that do not represent the position of President Tinubu or the APC.
“We stand firmly behind President Tinubu and his Renewed Hope Agenda, and we remain focused on giving Enugu State a credible alternative to the current PDP-led administration in 2027,” he said.
